by jacob
Mark Sell, candidate for Chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee, today has released the following statement from Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli:

I can attest from first-hand experience that Mark Sell is an excellent choice for Loudoun County Republican Committee Chairman. Mark has worked side-by-side with many of us over the last decade on key conservative issues ranging from the fight against tax hikes to the Marriage Amendment. From Committee Treasurer to District Chair to Precinct Captain to Rules Committee Chairman to a Loudoun County Volunteer Coordinator for my own victorious campaign last year, Mark has shown his mettle where it counts — in the planning councils, in the trenches, on the phones and on the streets. He has the proven skills at organization, mobilization, fund-raising and finance to head up a winning effort for Loudoun Republicans in 2010, 2011 and beyond.

This is tremendous news for the Sell campaign. During the past weeks of campaigning, Mark has made appearances before the the good folks at Leisure World, LCWC, the LCRC and lastly the fiscally challenged BOS. Mark has received endorsements from many conservative Republicans, and his campaign delivered close to 300 applications in support of Howie Lind for the upcoming 10th district convention. Boots on the ground activism delivered those votes for Howie, and will deliver the votes for other Republicans in 2011. Ken Cuccinelli knows this and that is why he endorses Mark Sell for the Chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee.

Mark sell has been a conservative voice in Loudoun County politics for years. He is an activist who has exemplified the word ‘active’. Mark has spoken before our Board of Supervisors both Republican and Democrat controlled on countless occasions. Mark has worked every election cycle, supporting our Republican party in both good times and bad. Mark has seen his fair share of big spenders on both sides of the political divide. He is a Christian, patriot and a conservative, this reality has reflected in his actions and words since the day I met him.

Comments

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

I heard of this endorsement via a campaign call recorded by Dick Black. I have great respect for AG Cuccinelli and I know he is good friends with Mark.

Candace and Mark have both been speaking to many groups and both are solid conservatives. With less than 3 days left before the Canvas I’m hoping that those that are undecided take the time to review not just where both candidates have spoken or who has endorsed them, but how they have outlined their vision. I appreciate Candace’s willingness to take the BOS head on and challenge the Democrats to muster political will and stop raising taxes.

2011 is right around the corner, there will be dozens of posts here and on TC, and hundreds of comments made about the Democrats on the Board. We need focus and energy, and we need to take our county back. I’ve heard that message from Candace and it can and will reasonate with the good people of Loudoun County.

Not surprising, given that Volpe asked him to do this, not Sell.
Also, this is a misguided step for a politician to deliberately overlook Candace, who was a Cooch delegate during the Convention. Since both Candace and Mark were equally diligent in campaigning for Cooch…it is very out of place to endorse one over the other.
It also seems to prove that Ken doesn’t recognise remarkable leadership when he sees it. If resumes and organization skills are thrown out the window to endorse someone that Volpe tells him to….I begin to doubt Cooch’s plan for the future of the Party, but it definitely tells me alot about what Cooch thinks of Cooch.
A more savvy man might have kept his mouth shut, and kept his recent success moving in a uniting direction…. and avoiding political paybacks at all costs.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

Dean, don’t be silly. If state officials can endorse Strother, they can endorse Sell, can’t they?

I think the whole thing is a bit over the top for committee offices, particularly now that the meme has changed from the midterms to next year’s locals.

Another thing–if Suzanne is a nice girl who’s good at making phone calls when assigned to do so, how could she possibly have “told” someone of Cuccinelli’s stature to do this?

“Unity” doesn’t mean agreeing with you personally btw, but I guess you and I will disagree about that till the cows come home for good.

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

BPM, I wouldn’t read so much into this Monk. This endorsement does not come as any surprise to many and should not be read as a swipe at Candace.

It’s true that both Mark and Candace supported KC early, but on the flip side I know KC supporters backing both of them. This endorsement is not a referendum on KC and in no way does it detract from my opinion of the AG. I know plenty of people that endorse candidates they have worked with and know personally – you probably do as much yourself.

CathyMac, points well taken.
Many know that I find myself closely aligned with KC on the 10th Amendment and the possible action with the EPA…. so it struck me odd that there was an endorsement .over one , and for another — where both have done excellent work for KC.
Appreciate the perspective.

Written by gstone about 9 years ago.

Lets not speculate and deal with the facts. Joe summed it up pretty well.

The Cuccinelli folks were gracious and professional enough to call Candace and myself last evening before releasing the endorsement. Although disappointed, this was expected. Mark has worked for Ken for some time. This in no way changes our admiration and support for our new AG. We all look forward to working with General Cuccinelli in the coming years. His campaign this past year is in large part the model we have used here in Loudoun for Candace’s campaign.

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

I am surprised the AG had any time to endorse anyone. It seems he’s been spending most of his time looking to create problems to solve, and digging up ghosts. I guess he sees Mark Sell and Dick Black as allies in the secret battle to legislate morality. Didn’t work when it was an openly known motive, now it has to be done with deception during election cycles, then pounce during the early terms of office.
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His recent challenge to William and Mary’s employment policy and those of other Universities, is a colossal waste of time. I never heard this motive being part of his publicly run campaign for office. Funny how these zealots have no integrity during election campaigns. He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. How did this become a first 90 day priority when it wasn’t openly debated or discussed during the election? Deceiving to say the least.

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

Oh Damn, Stoner’s comment: “His campaign this past year is in large part the model we have used here in Loudoun for Candace’s campaign.”

Why does that alarm me?

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

The “Dick Black Notification System” is up and working fine – BlackOut showed up on time!

Written by dans about 9 years ago.

BO,

“His recent challenge to William and Mary’s employment policy ”

You have aroused my curiosity. Where can I find further info on this topic ?

Bullet Proof,
Candace may have been a delgate, but Mark was on the team at that point. If I recall, you and LI where busy beating someone else’s drum and denegrating Cuccinelli. Mark got in on the ground floor. Both have done work for Ken, but Marks relationship goes way back. Candace is still new to our local scene.

Furthermore, Cuccinelli has every right to make his own choices. Tag made his choice, I did not see you lamenting that choice. Looks to me like you need to apply the same logic both ways. If Ken’s decision is suspect, so is Tag’s. If I recall you where overjoyed when Tag gave his endorsement to Candace. Hmmm. Says more about you then it does about Ken, Tag, Mark or Candace.

As I have said elswhere, both campaigns have kept it positive. This should be the model. Especially in our county where everyone inn the party has a story about how someone they know was done dirty by someone else in the party. We need to bury the ax, but not in each others heads.

Now that’s what I call promoting economic development. Maryland is on the offensive why aren’t we.

Guess the AG is more interested in legislating his definition of morality. Again I ask why was this not mentioned as a campaign issue? And how did it end up being a first 90 day priority?

Written by squiddy about 9 years ago.

dans, here are some links I found to this – basically, the story is a Maryland State Senator, Sen. Rich Madaleno has written a letter to Northrop-Grumman, urging the company not to move to Virginia, due to things like the gay-marriage ban, and an allegation that AG Cuccinelli has advised William and Mary to remove “sexual orientation” from its non-discrimination policy. This hasn’t been confirmed anywhere else, to my knowledge – but true or not, the AG needs to confirm/deny the report, and his reasoning for it.

Yes, I saw this. Can the vague claim against Ken in the letter from Maryland state Sen. Rich Madaleno be substantiated ? At face value it seems that this ice is extremely thin. I for one would certainly not make a matter of fact statement predicated upon an allegation this weak.

Btw, even if true, as these policies are now statute, they are preempted for public schools aren’t they ? Please correct me if I am wrong.

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

Vague it is but Maryland is running with it as a rally cry and getting mileage from it. If Ken is not sticking his nose in this as suggestions then he should strongly rebut the claims and allow VA to compete with MD on even ground for the Northrup win.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

Either way, whether he “strongly rebuts” or keeps mum I don’t think it will slow the press conference by the activist groups down any.

I’m still wondering why sex doesn’t cover gender.

Between sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity, how many varieties of sexually-related “protected class” do we need to list?

I think I’m a bit more disturbed that the term “protected class” is used as a matter of course in the WaPo blog discussion of the rumor.

Written by dans about 9 years ago.

You mean one openly gay state senator is running with it ?

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

I realize this is an open primary Saturday, but is the endorsement so significant that the LCRC chair’s race is now about gay politics?

There IS still the little matter of the pledge–lol!

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

Barbara, I received an email encouraging voting from Bob Wertz and he said there was no pledge to sign.

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

Barbara, if the issue is only one of semantics and word use, then why go back and chase language that has already gone under the bridge? It can only be thought of as a total waste of time or vindictive. Either way, it’s a total waste of time.

Written by common sense prevails? about 9 years ago.

there is a difference between forms and payment like the 10th district convention and signing the pledge to participate in a republican event. i haven’t seen the email, but i suspect that is the difference bo.

Give it a break. Most Northrop campuses are already in Va, and their Code of Conduct policy already takes care of discrimination. Most corporations do. Ken is fine doing what he is doing and you’re an idiot screaming “the sky is falling, the sky is falling..” I’m alarmed at every hook you bite on!

I pledge to vote. And if I see Monk there, and he doesn’t try to bore me with HIS vision of the outcome, I might just ask him to have a beer with me! Maybe I’ll invite Barbara also. That way I only need a bucket of popcorn and my evening will be set. I know; first things first. Let’s elect the chair. Gosh, ACT. Always looking out for you first before the important matters. When will I ever grow up.

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

BO, If you do not sign the pledge you can not vote. The pledge is an intention to support the nominees of the Republican Party in upcoming elections.

There was a call for delegates from Loudoun County for the 10th district convention but it ended on 2/20. Fairfax’s deadline is 3/13 I believe.

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

Act, I realized I don’t even have your cell number! Consider yourself properly harrassed to vote for Candace!

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

The beer idea is a good one, Munsey vs Monk should be advertised! (Sorry Barb…..lol!)

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

Cathmac, aren’t both candidates running for a Republican office? There is no race after, I think you are assuming or you guys need to get your act together.

I certainly don’t want to cause an issue with my friend Bob Wertz but this is what he said:

“WHAT: PLEASE VOTE for my friend CANDACE STROTHER

WHO: any registered Loudoun County voter

WHEN: this Saturday, March 6 anytime between 10 am & 2 pm

HOW: No form or fee is required to vote. Just walk in, vote and leave

WHERE: at Belmont Ridge Middle School in Lansdowne”

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

ACT, I had no idea corporate policy trumped the AG’s office. Maybe that can be used as a slogan to get business in here. Assuming you’re right I guess that makes Ken irrelevant. That might be attractive.
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Oh, I’d think Ken is saying the sky is falling not me. He should get his ass in gear and work on things that really matter. Certainly, did take long for him to cause a controversy.

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

I suppose Wertz was talking about advanced form or fee like the convention.

There are upcoming elections, congressional race this year, BOS 2011, etc…so this is what the pledge references.

Written by dans about 9 years ago.

BO,

Some gay activist in the MD state Senate alleges Ken said something make’s it so ? I have to believe the NG CEO realizes the letter was from a GLBT activist trying to legitimize himself with state senate letterhead.

Not sure what’s worse, the fairy tale, or your propagating it..

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

So which is it Cathymac. Do I need to sign and form to vote Saturday, or can I just show up pay nothing and vote?
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Maybe there is some hanky panky going on here at trying to discourage voting.

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

dans, it was from an elected Maryland State Senator who is trying to do the right thing for his constituents by encouraging North Grumman to do business in his State. I am not sure why you are trying to marginalize him. He’s using an angle that our AG created. Or maybe not, but it sure is believable.
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If Cooch didn’t do this then he should come out and turn the table on MD, by denouncing any efforts to discriminating against Northrup Grumman employees. Otherwise, he’s running a secret undisclosed agenda that was not apparent to the voters during the recent election.

BO
You are as usual, an hysterical boob who picks up on every piece of lib propaganda and runs with it. Some yahoo cites a piece of LGBT double talk, and you go charging straight into a brick wall. There is no ‘there’, there. But it never seams to stop you for the next time.

I now await your next typical claim, which is that you are ‘conservative’, LMAO. That is almost as good as the idios who before the election claimed Obama was a moderate with conservative leanings.

Written by dans about 9 years ago.

“discriminating against Northrup Grumman employees”

Don’t you think that reports of discrimination against NG employees, would come from NG employees, and not a MD state legislator ?

What I am marginalizing is the story. He marginalizes himself in his letter to NG.

Ken does not need to respond to a baseless accusation coming from an GLBT activist. Putting this story on your “wish it were true” list does not make it so BO, even if you do click your heels together three times..

Written by Cathymac about 9 years ago.

BO, You must be dense. No forms, no fees. Sign a pledge and prove who you are and vote.

Are you planning on voting? Are Obama supporters planning on crashing the canvass in droves? If so, please give us the heads up.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

BlackOut, there is a pledge, which most of the mailers do NOT seem to be referencing.

Unfortunate, but true in VA at a firehouse primary.

As for the language of nondiscrimination, I am honestly confused about how many ways there are to parse what individuals feel about sex and gender.

I also have no great desire to sit down and be endlessly educated on what all the meanings and ramifications of LBGTQQO are this week, or any other.

Neither does that mean I wish to see anyone discriminated against.

I honestly think there are more productive and less costly ways for the government to spend time than to endlessly parse the issues.

The whole “if you don’t include these seventeen self-identified variations of this conceptual subgroup then you HATE THEM and WANT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST THEM” is right up there with “if you don’t support cap and trade in its current form then you want the planet to die” in my book.

“If I recall you where overjoyed when Tag gave his endorsement to Candace.” Your recall is faulty. I never commented on that development in either fashion.
There’s plenty I could say, but I won’t. It closes any door that I might have to communicate with KC. Anyone who really knows me, already had that figured.

Act….I don’t think they will allow us to drink (or carry or shoot) on the property…but there will most likely be libations at a local pub afterwards.
We should drink together.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

Cmac, if Obama supporters show up in droves because of the gay issue, that pretty much ensures Strother in a walk, doesn’t it?

Act, Jacob, Cmac, beer sounds great, but it wouldn’t be a fair contest.

However, if a worthy charity could be agreed upon to benefit from the proceeds, I’d be willing.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

Dean, I think lots of people who thought they knew the new you learned a lot from your unvarnished morning rant.

Neither of you can read for shit. I’m not going to take the bait, however.
Jacob, you , however, are turning into the same type of one trick pony that Barb has become. I ceased paying her any attention some time ago.
But we did have hopes for you.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

Dean, I also read the part where you made a professional acknowledgement of G and Cmac’s velvet gloves, but that doesn’t negate the honest reaction of the first.

They both exist.

And so does the now-usual accusation that other people can’t read.

Okay, if you’re feeling pincushiony, enough for now.

Here, another subject: what do you think would be a good charity to donate the gate to?

Monk,
Teasing you is far too easy. Lets forget all the rubbarb up above.

I am getting down to brass tacks. I asked a simple question, I am going to ask it again: Are you going to support the winner of this Saturday’s election, or not?

My answer is yes. What is your answer?

Both Candidates have run positive campaigns. I support Mark. You support Candace. This race comes to an end Saturday. I am not going to run into a corner and cry if Candace is the new LCRC chair. I will not say “told ya so!” if Mark is the new LCRC chair.

How are you Monk going to process all this come SUNDAY? Because it is Sunday that we separate the men from the boys. What are you gonna do?

Written by dans about 9 years ago.

“Are Obama supporters planning on crashing the canvass in droves”

Maybe they are ready for some real hope and change cmac ?

Written by BlackOut about 9 years ago.

Well no thanks to any of the zealots here, Bob Wertz provided all the clarification I needed. Rock on!

[...] Mark is able to consistantly bring people to events. This is how campaigns are won. This is why Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli endorsed Mark for our Chairman. This is why the 2009 Victory Campaign in Loudoun endorses Mark Sell [...]

Written by squiddy about 9 years ago.

“Otherwise, he’s running a secret undisclosed agenda that was not apparent to the voters during the recent election.”

That seems well over-the-top – at worst, the AG gave legal advice (apparently non-binding) that the non-discrimination clauses overstepped their legal authority because only the General Assembly has the authority to create such protected classes. This isn’t a new position whatsoever.

Still, I think he should’ve been out of front of the story – like Bunning, who allowed the media/left to frame what he was doing as some nefarious, hate-filled stand against the poor, downtrodden long-term unemployed, instead of what he really wanted, which was to pay for the extension, perhaps out of the already-allocated Stimulus funds.

And, of course, the AG still has that opportunity – and I wish he’d take it. Explain himself, fully and completely, and in the process, expose the hysterical Chicken Little’s for who they are.

Written by Barbara Munsey about 9 years ago.

Maybe there was no story to be out in front of (since it is not a new opinion from the office of the AG, but a fact on policy) until the announcement of the letter and the press conference.